Dolores Hickambottom: Unsung Hero

Holden honors local civil rights leader

Assemblyman Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) and the California Legislative Black Caucus honored local activist Dolores Hickambottom at a special ceremony in the state Capitol on Feb. 3 as an “Unsung Hero of the Civil Rights Movement” for her lifetime quest for equality in social, political and educational opportunities.

“During this month when we celebrate Black History, we pay tribute to the extraordinary contributions of citizens such as Dolores Hickambottom whose actions helped to integrate the Pasadena public schools and whose continuing activism improves the quality of life for all,” said Holden.

Hickambottom, a 50-year resident of Altadena, has been a tireless advocate for equal opportunity since her four children, Ann Marie, Elbie Jr., Leslie and John, began attending local schools. Her husband, Elbie Hickambottom Sr., served on the Board of Education following the landmark case Pasadena City Board of Education v. Spangler, which made the Pasadena Unified School District the first district west of the Mississippi to start busing under a court ruling. He died in 2003.

Along with her husband, Dolores was instrumental in starting the Pasadena Education Foundation in 1971. She has also been active in campaigns for civil rights, women’s rights, family issues and education.